R. Michael Hulet,

E-mail: mrh4@psu.edu

Graduate Students

• Gary Gladys--A decision analysis model for breed selection in commercially available strains based on market focus

Program Objectives
Research has focused on the evaluation of broiler strains in order to maximize carcal yield at the least cost. Production costs include not only diet but also mortality and carcass yield at different marketing weights. Different markets provide changes for companies, comparative strain data helps in the selection of breeds that will maximize their efforts.

Field trials were conducted to study broiler bird density, different broiler brooder house setups to improve two-week livability, changes in broiler house ventilation from curtain to a forced air-inlet system, and filtering of turkey semen prior to artificial insemination. Information from these field trials has been made available to industry personnel to help them make informed decisions on these production practices.

Current programs to evaluate hatchery performance and hatchery waste utilization as well as Grade A-carcass production are important when focusing on long term improvements in the integrated poultry industry in Pennsylvania and Virginia. A regional extension effort with the Virginia turkey industry will focus on turkey breeder performance as well as market turkey house ventilation.

Information on diagnosing fertility problems in turkeys was published in the Proceedings of the First International Symposium on the Artificial Insemination of Poultry. The semen filtering study was also reported at the Poultry Science Association meetings. Results from these studies have had an impact on the insemination techniques used by the national turkey industry, as semen filtering technology has received widespread adoption by major turkey breeders within the United States.

Future Plans
Future plans will continue to focus on factors that affect bird performance and carcass yield. Evaluation of litter additives in broiler and turkey management systems will be conducted with paired field trials. Ongoing programs in ventilation, lighting, and the management of hatcheries and breeders will continue. Studies using turkey nipple and bell-shaped open drinkers will be conducted with market hens. Preharvest HACCP procedures, as well as processing plant implementation of HACCP procedures for pathogen reduction will be evaluated and implemented in concert with other Penn State personnel and industry cooperators.

Publications
Denbow, D. M., V. Ravindran, E. T. Kornegay, Z. Yi., and R. M. Hulet. 1995. "Improving phosphorous availability in soybean meal for broilers by supplemental phytase." Poultry Sci. 74:1,831-42.

Hulet. R. M. 1995. "Diagnosis of and remedial action against drops in fertility." Proceedings First International Symposium on the Artificial Insemination of Poultry. M. R. Bakst and G. J. Wishart, eds. Savoy, Ill.: Poultry Science Association.

Ravindran, V., E. T. Kornegay, D. M. Denbow, Z. Yi, and R. M. Hulet. 1995. "Response of turkey poults to tiered levels of Nataphos(R) phytase added to soybean meal-based semi-purified diets containing three levels on non-phytate phosphorous." Poultry Sci. 74:1,843-54.

Ritz, C. W., R. M. Hulet, B. B. Self, and D. M. Denbow. 1995. "Endogenous amylase levels and response to supplemental feed enzymes in male turkeys from hatch to eight weeks of age." Poultry Sci. 74:1,317-22.

Ritz, C. W., R. M. Hulet, B. B. Self, and D. M. Denbow. 1995. "Effects of protein level and enzyme supplementation upon growth and rate of digestive passage of male turkeys." Poultry Sci. 74:1,323-28.

Ritz, C. W., R. M. Hulet, B. B. Self, and D. M. Denbow. 1995. "Growth and intestinal morphology of male turkeys as influenced by dietary supplementation of amylase and xylanase." Poultry Sci. 74:1,329-34.